Bagpiper Blog

bagpiperstephen

February 25, 2014

St. Paddy’s Day and Bagpipers- Facts and Rants from a Piper

St. Patrick’s or St. Paddy’s Day is named after the patron saint of Ireland who lived in the 5th century in Ireland. He died on March 17 and that is why every St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on that exact day.

St. Patrick’s is a day of celebrating all things Irish and bagpipes are one of those things. It seems everyone I meet that day on my travels is Irish or is an adopted son or daughter or Ireland. They’re all wearing green, dancing and generally having a great time.

This one day of the year is the busiest for almost all bagpipers I know. I usually start bagpiping at noon and some years I have been piping as late as 2am. It’s quite a workout but it’s worth it.

Irish Pub

I play for the clients and their guests. I get paid well but what I really like is playing for the crowds. They are usually very appreciative. Some have never heard a bagpipe before. Most pubs I play at are the real deal. Many bars call themselves Irish but they are not interested in doing anything Irish other than selling green beer. Most of the pubs I play at do a great job keeping up with Irish traditions by serving Irish food, drinks and provide live entertainment. Contact me if you want to know where to go.

About tipping- some people want to tip me and I appreciate all that they give me. If you stop a piper and request a tune then you should tip him or her. Don’t tip your piper with a drink. Pay them. If they want a drink or something to eat they’ll buy their own with the cash. It’s really hard for me to collect tips in most cases. I’m kinda busy at the time and both hands are on the instrument. If you want to tip me please wait until I’m finished playing or give the tip to the lady that accompanies me- if she’s there. Please be courteous to her and me.

Speaking of courtesy:

Don’t ask the bagpiper what’s under the kilt. If I had a dollar for every time I was asked that…

When posing for photos please don’t disrespect the bagpiper or the instrument. Just smile. Isn’t that enough?

Never touch the pipes! Bagpipers have invested a lot of time and moeny in that instrument and don’t want it to be damaged. Never touch the pipes!

For the most part St. Patrick’s Day is a great time. I usually take about a day or two to recover. It’s quite an experience from this side of the pipes and every year it gets better and better.